The Boxing Day Test is an annual cricket match beginning on December 26, the day after Christmas. Traditionally hosted at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), it is one of cricket’s most iconic fixtures. While the tradition began in Australia, Boxing Day Tests are also celebrated in other cricket-playing nations like South Africa and New Zealand.
The term “Boxing Day” originates from a tradition where gift boxes were opened in churches the day after Christmas, making it a festive occasion.
Australia’s Boxing Day Test Journey
Australia’s record in Boxing Day Tests highlights their dominance on home soil. Having played 29 matches, they boast a stellar record, with 15 wins, 6 losses, and 8 draws.
| Matches | Won | Lost | Drawn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29 | 15 | 6 | 8 |
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The MCG, with its massive capacity of over 100,000, has been the stage for Australia’s Boxing Day triumphs, and the team’s winning percentage (57.75%) at the venue underscores their strength.
Australia’s Performance in Melbourne
The Melbourne Cricket Ground has been a fortress for the Australian cricket team. Here’s a summary of their overall record at the iconic venue:
| Matches Played | Won | Lost | Drawn | Tied | Win Percentage (W%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 117 | 68 | 32 | 17 | 0 | 58.12% |
Australia’s dominance at the MCG has made them a formidable opponent in Boxing Day Tests.
Boxing Day Tests: List of Matches
Australia’s Boxing Day journey spans decades, with matches played both at the MCG and international venues. Below are some key matches:
| Opponent | Venue | Match Date | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | Johannesburg | 24-28 Dec 1935 | Won |
| India | Melbourne | 26-30 Dec 1985 | Draw |
| England | Melbourne | 26-30 Dec 2002 | Won |
| India | Melbourne | 26-30 Dec 2018 | Lost |
| South Africa | Melbourne | 26-30 Dec 2022 | Won |
| India | Melbourne | 26-30 Dec 2024 | Won |
Australia’s consistency across these matches has cemented their legacy in cricketing history.
Boxing Day Test in BGT 2024-25
The upcoming Boxing Day Test as part of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is set to be a thrilling contest. Australia a 2-1 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25:
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Memorable Highlights from Past Boxing Day Tests
- Australia vs. England (1950):
- First Boxing Day Test at the MCG.
- Australia defeated England in a dominant performance.
- Australia vs. India (1999):
- Australia won by a massive 180 runs, marking their dominance in the fixture.
- Australia vs. India (2018):
- India triumphed by 137 runs, their first Boxing Day win at the MCG under Virat Kohli.
The Boxing Day Test between Australia and India promises to be a high-stakes battle, with key players like Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli ready to shine on cricket’s grandest stage.
Can Australia maintain their stronghold at the MCG, or will India script another historic win?
